Ordering an Interlibrary Loan

How do I order items?

Can I have someone else order materials for me? (Especially faculty asking their grad/student assistants to order materials.)

No. Ultimately, the person wanting items is the person responsible for them and should submit the request. If you would like an assistant to order materials for you, you need to provide that person with your Bengal ID number. However, do so at your own risk.

I am a Community borrower. Can I use Interlibrary Loan?

No. We recommend that you talk to your local public library.

I need a video/sound recording/audio book. Can I order?

Yes. However, many libraries will not lend media, so it may take longer to receive, or we may not be able to borrow the item.

I need an article that is published only online. Can I order it?

Yes. However, many libraries are unable to send electronic journal articles due to licensing restrictions.

I need an e-book. Can I order it?

No. Due to licensing restrictions, libraries are not able to lend e-books.

Can I order a textbook for my class?

No. Textbooks used for classes cannot be ordered via interlibrary loan. Most interlibrary loan items have a very short checkout time and cannot be kept for an entire semester.

I am a distance student (or student not attending ISU Pocatello Campus). Can I use Interlibrary Loan?

When did you place your request? If it was within the past 24-48 hours (not including weekends), we are still in the initial processing stage. The item will appear in Your Record with in 24-48 hours. If you placed your request more than 48 hours ago, please contact our office at (208) 282-3127 or email warrmary@isu.edu.

What does "pending" or "unfilled" mean in my record?

The word "pending" means that the ISU Library Interlibrary Loan office has requested the item and is waiting to see if another library will loan it. You will receive an email notice when the item arrives.

The word "unfilled" means that the item has not yet been filled by any of the libraries that the request was sent to. (A request can only be sent to 5 libraries at a time.)

If an item is actually unavailable, the Interlibrary Loan office will mail a paper notice to you regarding the unavailability of the item and why. Until you receive this notice, the request should be consider as pending as they are still working on it. The title will appear in Your Record the Library Catalog as a separate request. PLEASE DO NOT RESUBMIT YOUR REQUEST.

How do I know if an item is available?

You will receive an email notice in your @isu.edu email account. Due to systems limitations, we can send notices to @isu.edu email accounts only. If you prefer to use a non-ISU account, you may forward your email. For instructions see forwarding your ISU email to your preferred email address.

Delivery for Interlibrary Loans

Where do I pick up my books?

At the Pocatello Campus, you may pick up your items at the First Floor Circulation Desk anytime the library is open.

At either the Idaho Falls or Meridian sites, go to the appropriate center to retrieve your book.

Photocopies are delivered via the Web. An email will be sent to your @isu.edu email account notifying you of availability and instructions for retrieving your item.

How soon do I need to pick up my books?

Books need to be picked up within two weeks. After two weeks, items that are not picked up are returned to the lending library. You will receive a cancellation notice in your ISU email account. If you receive a cancellation notice, but still need the item, contact the ILL Office immediately. Please call (208) 282-3127 or email warrmary@isu.edu. (You can also reply to the cancellation notice.)

I am unable to pick up the item in person. What can I do?

You may send a well-trusted representative to pick the item up for you. You are responsible for the item, and any fees accrued, regardless of who picks it up for you. If you do not want to send somebody to pick up the item, contact the ILL office at (208) 282-3127 or email warrmary@isu.edu to make other arrangements. (You may also reply to the email notice we send you.)

How long can I keep Interlibrary Loan items?

You may keep an Interlibrary book anywhere from one to six weeks, depending on the lending library. (The lending library, not the ISU Library, sets the circulation time period.)

What is the Blue Strap on my Interlibrary Loan book? Can I remove it?

The blue strap is what we use to help track your interlibrary loan. It contains important information such as the due date and any restrictions. DO NOT REMOVE THIS SLIP! Removing the blue strap will delay check-in and may result in overdue fines.

Renewals for Interlibrary Loans

Can I renew my Interlibrary Loan item?

Probably. However, items with "No Renewals" on the blue book strap cannot be renewed.

How do I renew Interlibrary Loan materials?

You can request a renewal one of three ways:

In Pocatello, fill out a green renewal request form located at the Oboler Library, First Floor Circulation Desk

Call the Interlibrary Loan office at (208) 282-3127

Reply to the courtesy due notice emailed to you

How many times may I renew an Interlibrary Loan item?

Interlibrary Loan items may be renewed once. If you need the item longer, you will need to submit a new request. Usual charges will apply.

May I renew my Interlibrary Loan book online?

No. The Interlibrary Loan office must contact the lending library to ask for renewals. Please contact the Interlibrary Loan office.

Canceling an Interlibrary Loan Request

I submitted a request, but I no longer need the item. How do I cancel the request?

Depending on when the request was submitted, it may be too late to cancel the request. Requests showing in your Library Catalog record probably cannot be cancelled, particularly photocopied articles. Please contact the ILL office to make arrangements for canceling requests at (208) 282-3127.